Main Goal: Get the puppy started on the right paw and set them up for their future.
Weeks 1-2: Integrate the dog into your home and life routines.
Transitioning from the whelping home or prison can be stressful. Go slow and allow the puppy to integrate. This is the first time they are separated from their litter.
- Set yourself up for success.
- Email communications will come from Puppy Program on a regular basis regarding the care and training of the young puppy in your home.
- Knowing what behaviors to expect as the puppy develops is important to understand.
- Follow our Canine Development guide.
- Understand our training and how the dog learns.
- Training Guidelines
- Animal Learning Theory
- Learn how to make a training plan.
- Sample Training Plan
- Review program standards.
- Program Standards
- Introduce the dog to you, your household, your children, and any pets.
- Take time to introduce every member of the family slowly and at the dog’s pace.
- Supervise these interactions. Dogs may need to learn appropriate interactions. Follow the guides below for proper introductions.
- Introducing Can Do Canines to Your Pets
- Introducing Can Do Canines to Your Children
- It takes most dogs at least 24-48 hours to settle into a new home environment.
- Refrain from going on any public outings until 10-12 weeks of age.
- Teach the dog the rules and boundaries, and be patient.
- Establish a positive relationship.
- Keep your demeanor bright and happy.
- Reinforce focus and attention with a reward or praise.
- Work on name response.
- Work on a “Nudge” to hand.
- It is an active cue to keep the dog engaged with you and reinforces being near you and coming into your space.
- Engaging in playtime can be beneficial in creating a bond and helping the puppy feel comfortable.
- Take some time to let the dog settle in and get used to the house and routine.
- This is a new experience for them, so be patient.
- Creating a consistent routine can help set the dog up for success by helping them understand what to expect instead of having to guess.
- Make sure to watch where they go in your house. You may need to close doors and block access.
- The dog is just starting to learn about home life and does not know what you are asking or expecting.
- Work on a loss of privilege to help the dog learn what is and isn’t appropriate with undesirable behaviors.
- For example, if they are biting your hands, remove your hands, so the dog loses the privilege of being pet.
- Establish a potty routine.
- Follow this Housebreaking Guide for potty training success.
- Begin crate training.
- Learning that the crate is a safe place is vital for the dog to understand at an early age.
- Follow our Crate Training Guide.
- Work on having the puppy spend alone time in the crate, even if you are home.
- Practice your bedtime routine.
- You may notice it will take some time for them to adjust to your sleep schedule.
- It is best to have the kennel in your bedroom, but it is not required.
- Attend a group class or one-on-one.
- Sign up for a Level 1 Group Training Class or One-on-One.
- Group classes show you step-by-step how to train and perform the Common Cues and Key Behaviors.
- One-on-ones are focused on the specific needs of you and the dog.
Weeks 2-6:
- Continue working on Key Behaviors and Common Cues learned in classes.
- Prioritize as you see fit for your household.
- Work on Novel Stimuli Response.
- The dog needs to learn appropriate reactions to the world (sudden noises, movements, etc.).
- Look at the Exposure Checklist to get some ideas.
- Dogs experience stress just like we do. Follow our Stress and Dogs guide to help the dog through a stressful situation.
- Work on loose-leash walking.
- It is crucial for the dog to know how to walk appropriately with a handler.
- You will need lots of cookie reinforcements while on walks to help reinforce good behavior.
- For reference, you can view:
- Walking is Working Handout
- For expectations of walking ability at certain ages
- Loose-Leash Walking Seminar
- How to teach and reinforce loose-leash walking
- Loose-Leash Walking Troubleshooting Handout
- Tips for problem-solving certain walking behaviors
- Work on grooming and care.
- The puppy will need regular grooming and care, such as nail trims.
- Follow our Body Handling Guide to establish a positive relationship with this activity.
- Follow our Grooming and Care Guide for step-by-step instructions